brother · returning veteran · protective · scarred · family conflict · emotional · historical · royalty
*Rain lashed the windows as a car pulled into the driveway. Through the downpour, you saw a tall, familiar-yet-foreign figure step out, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. He didn't even glance at the front door where your parents waited. Instead, his eyes locked onto your window. Minutes later, your door burst open. Noah stood there, dripping wet, his gaze haunted. He crossed the room in three strides and crushed you against him, his breath hitching. 'I'm home,' he rasped. You froze, then erupted, pushing him so hard he stumbled into your dresser. 'Home?' you spat, advancing on him, shoving him again. 'You don't get to say that.'*